A lasting legacy.

We debated in the House of Commons!! The day was amazing. It showed the level of debate young people could reach. To me, it showed that young people have both intelligent and simple answers, to issues that politicians run away from . We were upfront, passionate, considerate of the views of others and ambitious. We were sure this event would be a hallmark for the young people in the Youth Parliament for years to come, and we were right.

I was amazed at the amount of press coverage received as well. Many programmes on many radio stations and television channels broadcast the run up to the event, the event itself and the aftermath, publicising the need for youth participation, the issues to be discussed and the history surrounding it. The event was scattered all over the Internet in an unimaginable and unprecedented amount of blogs, of articles, in forums, leaflets, websites of all kinds, in all shapes, opinions and views. It hit major headlines, it caused breaking news. It was everywhere, even in the metro!

My part to play was on the BBC Breakfast news and the Radio 4 Today programme with James Naughtie and Justin Webb. Charity and I were on that programme to discuss the issues we were to bring up in the commons, mainly crime and unemployment. We then headed over to Millbank to do a BBC World Service Broadcast where the correspondent was asking us to compare Barack Obama and Gordon Brown.

Just to say, there were some comments in the Commons which I wholly disagreed with. But, that's what makes our democracy so important, the freedom of choice, and the freedom of re-choice as the speaker quite rightly said.

I'm not sure how we'll top this, I'm not sure if it needs topping. What it has done has proved our worth and our passion for national issues. It has cemented in history, the activism and projects we have been doing in our local areas. It stood the test of controversy, it stood the test of those MPs against it and it won.

Well done everyone.

Harry

"It's the final countdown!"

Come on, you had to see that title coming!

So, I have literally just hopped off the train from a South West Regional meeting. I had not seen my lovely region since the Annual Sitting in July, and I can honestly say I am proud to be working with such an amazing group of people. The atmosphere of our meetings is so warm and no matter which walk of life you come from, you will be accepted into the group, no question. Today, Fliss is a happy bunny :)

SO: TOMORROW! It feels so good to be saying that! It's surreal to think that in 12 hours' time, I will be waking up ready to go to London for the most historic day in 300 years of British democracy - I am a part of history! I can't quite get my head around it. This is something to tell the Grandkids! I feel quite nervous in a way, for the first time in a while, I am actually shy, something of a startled deer. Anyone who knows me will think this is really unusual, that's for sure.

I've spent the last two weeks walking in my "Commons shoes" (very important!) but you can guarantee that the one falling over on national television WILL be me. As any girl will know, shoes are important! Seriously though, for everyone, the issue of what to wear has been a tough one. We are young people, we represent young people. This is our opportunity to be taken properly seriously as opinionated citizens. It's easy for adults to patronise young people as innocent and naive with not a lot ticking away up there in our hormone ravaged brains. Indeed, in February I went to Berlin on a school trip, and I am not joking, this elderly couple said "They look like a flood of walking hormones!" Yeah, great, thanks :S

We may be "walking hormones" now, but in the future, we will be the ones running this country and making those important decisions. Oh wait, hold on... We already are!

So folks, feast your eyes. Remember 30th October 2009 as a date in history. I know I certainly will.

Time left at time of publication: 17.5 Hours and counting....

TOMORROW!!!!

Wow, so it all kicks off!

Tomorrow 300 hundred members of youth parliament will head to the house of commons to make history, feeling excitement mixed with nerves many travelling from further afield are already in london!

The media coverage of the event is HUGE, I personally have done a interview with BBC world service, guys UKYP is going GLOBAL!! Tomorrow we're in talks to have coverage from BBC, Itv, Channel 4, Five Live and the today program. The event will be shown on BBC parliament at 430.

I think a huge thank you needs to be said to all the staff at UK youth parliament, the event tomorrow wouldn't be happening without them, and it's thanks to their continuing support and encouragement that allows us to go on and be the best that we can be. So thank you guys, it's really appreciated.

Tomorrow is set to be an amazing day, I have to say I am very nervous at the prospect of doing my speech tomorrow but I am very excited too :)

I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow

Tessa

36 Hours 17 Mins and 49 Seconds to go.

Yesterday I received an email from a very irate young person.

The person in question's parents, purchased a Stafford local saver from the Arriva website at the start of this years Autumn term. However, after using this pass twice daily since September, traveling from Gnosall to Stafford Train station, the Arriva bus driver has informed the person that their Stafford Saver was no longer valid and their parents will be forced to purchase a Midlands Saver costing £330 per year, or they will no longer be able to make the journey to and from college. This comes after the person and other students were refused to be let on to the 481 bus in Gnosall, without warning or the confirmation email that Arriva claims to have sent to all their customers. This refusal left them with a further half an hours or so wait in the freezing cold, for the next bus, which they were let on.

The people I have spoken to, have also not received this email that Arriva claim to have sent them. The information about the Student Savers has also been quickly removed from their website today but was still viewable yesterday.

I personally am disgusted with the way Arriva handled their customers and am sure this incident isn't just Isolated to Staffordshire.

Oli

And now for something completely different...

But yet, very much the same :)

I asked the young people on my Facebook account what they wanted to see written about on here; this is, after all, a portal for the true voices of young people. A suggestion came up from an MYP in my region (South West) that I blog about the EMA - or educational maintenance allowance. For those not in the know, the EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30 for 16- 18 year olds who stay in education/training from households earning less than £30,810 per year. This scheme was initiated by the government to encourage young people to stay in education.

The subject of EMA is a very popular one in the South West - it was the subject of much discussion at our regional residential. I don't know if other regions share in this, but I would imagine some do.

So why am I writing about it? Because, believe it or not, education matters. The EMA has helped (according to wikipedia) improve attendance rates (payment is based upon attendance) and motivation. The rate of those staying on in education have increased 5.9% thanks to EMA. Thus, the principle is very good, education is an investment in the future; the EMA is proof that the Government is investing in our future and, ultimately, the future of the country. Inescapable fact. All very well and good. "It helped me go to a new (and better) sixth form which would have proved impossible otherwise."

However, many of the people I have spoken to have said that the system is inconsistent. One said "If it wasn't for the other members of my family, I would not have been able to do the courses I want", another said "I have not been paid at all this year. Some people I know are owed thousands". "It's so unreliable, it drives me mad!" The thoughts of most of the people whose opinions I received can be summarised by one who said "What EMA?!"

In conclusion, I do not think there is a panacea for the system. Of course there will always some corruption, I knew of once an individual (too old for EMA now) whose parents kept themselves significantly well afloat by investing, and NOT working. As they had no annual earning income, their child was entitled to EMA, but at the same time were exremely well off. Fair? Tricky. However, for the sake of those who still struggle, financially, to continue with education, despite EMA, a solution to the inconsistency of payment is vital. After all, our national economy will thrive in the long term from this short term investment.

EMA is not one of the debate topics, but I felt I should blog about it because it facilitates education, including political education (aha!)

Nervous - Good!!

Hello everyone,
I want to start this post by thanking, and congratulating the UKYP Staff who have worked so hard to get us debating in the House of Commons.

Kate Parish has done a fantastic job in keeping us updated, sending out very important information and generally preparing us for making history. The attachment you all got entitled ''everything you need to know'' sums up the work Kate has done. She has made us comfortable, at ease and rather excited about the upcoming event.

Fiona Mckinstrie with her knowledge, contacts and determination has got us media coverage, from local, to regional, to national. From radio, to newspapers, to the television news. She's equipped us with some invaluable skills about how to speak to journalists and has given us model press releases to send out. Overall, with her help, we have ensured, and will continue to ensure that our biggest day is as widely known about as possible.

With all this work however, I'm sure everyone is feeling nervous about it. Let me tell you, we're all in the same boat. Cameras pointing in every direction, microphones aimed around the chamber, written records, almost live broadcasts. However, I have faith that all MYPs will use this nervous energy and translate it into the biggest hit on a national level anyone has ever seen from young people.

It's an exciting moment, and one we will use to spread the message of the five top issues to be discussed, voted for by young people - Nationally!! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing a platform with some very passionate and involved young people from every region and from the nations.

Look forward to seeing you Friday

Harry

Debate Topics

Hello,
I hope everybody is preparing for the debates, and the topics to be discussed. Let's make the most of this opportunity by fueling ourselves with as much knowledge as possible. This will, in the end, help us represent young people to the best of our abilities.

Public Transport problems are something which need to be tackled at the highest level. I have been to Public Transport Conferences, and have liaised with Members of Youth Parliament and transport providers in my region to shed some light on this issue.

What always strikes me is that, when asking young constituents about their problems, about issues they wish to raise, one of them is undoubtedly transport. Recently in Sheffield, the UK Youth Parliament held an event which allowed young people to debate about issues they feel strongly about, in preparation for the House of Commons Event. During the Transport Debate, numerous issues were brought up.

These were:

1 - Driver Attitude
The young people in Sheffield believed that driver attitude is something which has to change if young people are to feel accepted on buses. They also accepted that it was a minority of young people who caused a stereotypical image to be framed. An image many drivers believe all young people adopt.

To eradicate this problem, drivers should be given training to know how to deal with an array of passengers, and training to know how to fully engage with young people. Also, a young person should sit on the steering groups of transport providers or authorities and a Driver of the Year award should be given out as an incentive for drivers to be polite.

2 - The State of Buses
Some buses are very uninviting, not just to young people, but to everyone. This can at times detract people from getting on the buses.

3-Concessionary Cards
Many places have a concessionary card which young people can use to get on the buses for a subsidised price. In some places, they can get on for free. There needs to be a nationwide rolled out concessionary card so young people don't have to pay adult fares.

Also, in terms of concessionary cards, young people should be able to pay a subsidised price to get to education establishments or work. The government, from whichever party, has to understand that the only way to Build Britain's Future is by increasing accessibility to places of training, the only way to Build Britain's Future is by helping those building it, and the only way to Build Britain's Future is through encouragement and ease. Not through hindrance and hardship.

I spoke to David Blunkett about the problem of young people getting to education establishments, and have also brought the issue up with Nick Clegg, both of them being Sheffield Constituency MPs. There is work to do, and a long way to go. This event should raise the publicity of the campaign, and I hope bring the issue to national attention.

Harry

1 week to go!

Hello again, my dear readers.
Today I'm going to talk a little about the recent political revolutions our country seems to have been undergoing.

I would like to comment on last night's Question Time broadcast. I will not go into party politics, that is not the intention of this post. I would like to say, however, that I have never in my life seen so many young people taking a stand in politics. My facebook account was buzzing with people posting comments on the developments of the programme, discussing it and stating their opinions. I honestly have never seen anything like it. As controversial as the broadcast was, I was rejoicing in the effect it had on young people. Why should we not have more political discussion?! I tell you my opinion - because young people, apart from those actually involved in organisations such as the UKYP, feel they cannot connect with politics. Why? Because they are not taught about politics. This is why I support the UK Youth Parliament Political Education campaign. Votes at 16 would be unproductive if we do not know what we are voting for, or why we are voting. Education allows you to form your own opinions, ignorance forms them for you.

And yes, today I am making an ostentatious fashion statement and wearing my UKYP t-shirt to school. After all, I may be going to Parliament, but I'm certainly taking South Gloucestershre with me!

Thanks for reading, folks!
Fliss

ps. I will be quiet for a few days, as I will be going on holiday this weekend. See you on Monday! (I think)
pps. Fear not, South West, the EMA blog will be next :)

Wow, the debate is getting so close now!!

This weekend all the debate leads met up to discuss who would get which debate and the general format the debate would take. This weekend was enjoyed by all and I have to say now that I know which debate I will be doing I feel alot better about the whole thing! On the Friday we participated in a workshop in the House of Commons, this meant we learnt more about devolution and select committees but we also picked up a few tips that will help us in the chamber. Firstly it’s interesting that men cannot wear hats in the chamber yet women can; the same rule also applies to the wearing of medals. When addressing people when saying “you” this refers to the Speaker of the House of commons and therefore it is advisable not to use this in relation to talking to another MYP, however I doubt he will be that strict! On the Saturday we all found out which debates we would be leading on! And brilliantly we managed to all get our first or second choices! Each debate has 3 debate leads- 2 to introduce each side of the debate and one to sum up. I’m summarising the economic and job opportunities debate which was my first choice =))

Rather than telling you in this blog why it’s so IMPORTANT to vote for it, because believe me it is! But I will save that for another blog J

More importantly I have my outfit for the debate!!

Until the next time

Tessa

=))

11 Days to go, till I mow a meadow?

My second blog - and its all about how I'm feeling - don't be deceive d by the farmer themed title.

11 Days away from making history. Wow.

I never ever thought that I would be taking part in such an amazing event, but then again, I never dreamed I would be doing half of the things I'm doing through UKYP. I'm sure you'll all agree that its opened many doors for you as it has for me. Through UKYP I've had the opportunity to express the views of my constituents on many levels, from local politics with people like the leader of my county council to Gordon Brown himself nationally!

So I suppose I want to say, I'm humbled by the trust bestowed in me by the people who took time to vote me in, and putting me in such a position to create one of the greatest moments of my life.

However more onto the debatey side of this blog!

Youth Crime and how to solve it! I'm now going to rant about mosquitoes. If this isn't your thing look away now :)

Firstly they don't meet the EU convention on the rights of a child, directly contravening article 14 amongst others. They also don't solve the root of anti-social behavior but merely move the problem on. They are indiscriminate and target those specifically under the age of 25. Is this fair?...

They also affect toddlers and small children, who's hearing is much more sensitive than that of a teenage meaning it causes greater discomfort to them. Is this fair?

View http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139334851201&ref=ts for more information on my thoughts on Mosquitoes...

My opinion is that 'Young people should not be viewed as a candle in a dark room, but the match to light it.'

My next blog will be on another of the debate topics, watch this space.

Oli

My contribution

I thought I would start off my postings with a summary of some of the work I've been doing this year as MYP and in the past few years alongside my predecessors.

I became involved in some local projects about 2 or 3 years ago through South Gloucestershire Youth Forum, which I was a member of for 2 years, before the Council changed our Youth Service around. With this, I helped make and promote a Sex and Relationships education project, which was funded by the Terrence Higgins Young Leaders' Panel. It included a DVD (made by ourselves), some resources and a lesson plan which we created based upon our own experiences of sex and relationships education, or rather, the lack of it. We launched it at an event attended by councillors and youth workers and it was sent to all the schools in South Gloucestershire. My work with the Youth Forum certainly was my launching point for my UKYP work.

I now sit on South Gloucestershire Youth Board, where we are the direct bridge between the local youth groups and the council youth sectors. This year, in my combined role, I have helped organise and run an anti-bullying conference, which took place in July. We invited year 10 pupils from local schools to gather information about their experiences of their schools' anti-bullying strategies with the hope of setting a minimum standard which all schools in South Gloucestershire must adhere to and exceed. I also have been looking at the particular areas of homophobic (working with the organisation EACH) and racist bullying, as it is a growing problem in South Gloucestershire. I have also been working on a transport concessionary scheme for young people in school years 9-13 which is looking certain to be in place from April 2010.

I have also been active in the representation side of my role; I recently was called upon to speak to 50 councillors and authority figures about why they should not overlook the power of young people's opinions, the importance of our inclusion and crucially, why we must be treated with respect. This was something I really really enjoyed; it was one of those moments where you know that you have made a difference!

This House of Commons visit will show the young people in my area that their voices are being raised to a higher level; that, to me, is the most important thing. It makes me unspeakably proud to be the person to do it this; it is an honour of the highest measure. I just have to try now to not embarrass everybody!

Thanks for reading!
Fliss :)

The Big 5 - Announced

Hello again!
As you're all probably aware, the five campaigns have been announced for the House of Commons. I would like to quickly share with you some of my work in trying to fulfill the objectives of the political education campaign.

The Political Education campaign, to me, seems very important. I advocate votes at sixteen and so believe that this is the best way to get young people more involved and therefore more willing to vote, should it become possible.

Back in July, I went to No10 Downing Street (Most security I've ever seen in my life!!) for a meeting with two of the Prime Minister's Special Advisers, to showcase the benefits of compulsory political education. They discussed with me the need to change young people's political perspective but believed that the Prime Minister's idea of a fading out of some compulsory lessons, to be more persuasive than mine. Having passed over a manifesto for Gordon Brown, the advisers made it clear that he supports the work of the Youth Parliament because it gives young people a chance to convey their opinions and passions on a formal level.

Furthermore, I was filmed for part of the 'Get Your Vote' BBC documentary about votes at sixteen and the implications of getting the vote. This programme received national coverage and highlights an issue the UK Youth Parliament will be debating in the commons.

In general though, their is a need for youth engagement to be publicised more. I have done a lot of work with national and local media trying to praise the work of the UK Youth Parliament and have been asked on many occasions by the newspapers for my opinions on current issues from Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize, to Nick Clegg's stance on renewable energy. This kind of work ensures we are an organisation people know about and are interested in!!

Thanks

Harry

At the time of writing there are just over two weeks until the historic day where UK youth parliament will be able to debate in the House of Commons. For all the members of youth parliament involved this day will bring their term in office to a dramatic finale, although there are a couple of months left in the term this day will undoubtedly define their year as an MYP.

It seems almost unbelievable to think that at this time in two weeks hundreds of MYP’s from all over the UK will be preparing for the most historic day in UK youth parliament history so far.

Although some MP’s were sceptical about letting us into the chamber I know that once they hear the speeches, feel the atmosphere and see the fact that we are doing our generation proud they will have no doubts, for after all we are not just standing there as ourselves, we are standing there as representatives of young people all over the UK.

Zdrastvuytye!!

Allow me first to introduce myself with a few little factlets that should reflect the fact that I am indeed a normal person.

My name is Felicity Probert (Fliss, if you please) and I am 17 years old. I am Member of Youth Parliament for South Gloucestershire, which is actually geographically closer to Bristol than Gloucester, but never mind. I am a year 13 student and I am studying French, English Literature and History at A2, with the intention of studying French and Russian at University, hopefully next year.

My family background is quite academic in the medico-scientific field, but I personally am no Oxbridge candidate.

I suppose the historical impact of the Commons visit is what appeals to me most - we are the first group to sit in the chamber *ever*! This is a moment in British history; I buzz like an eight year old after several kilograms of E -numbers at the very thought!

I love writing (when it's not coursework!), so I very much look forward to my next posts. I hope you enjoy reading them! I don't intend for my postings to be too highbrow, as I myself am not highbrow. However, I do hope to give you, the reader, some food for thought.

Until next time!

Fliss :)

My First Blog... :)

"At the tender age of 16, youth parliament member Oliver Phillips is already sending ripples through the world of politics." - Liz Pegg

I'm Oli Phillips, the Member of Youth Parliament for West Staffordshire, and I'm another of the 5 blogger's who will be sharing their thoughts with you, before that historic moment when your Youth Parliament representatives debate in the Commons Chamber on those famous green chairs! A debate which will be listened to an acted upon by the key decision makers in parliament.

Anyway, before all that jazz, I suppose I should tell you more about myself. I've been actively campaigning against the use of the Mosquito Teen Deterrent Device in my local area over the last 8 months, and during a youth summit aimed at boosting employment opportunities for young people, I managed to talk to Gordon Brown and spoke to him for five minutes about the issue, explaining how it had a detrimental effect on both under 25s who worked inside the shops and those who visited them as customers.

( see link http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=142151&id=597089621&l=118055638d ).

I have also campaigned greatly against Uni Fee's and have met Nick Clegg whilst delivering a report to Downing Street back in April.

I chair the local Youth Forum and sit on a county wide Youth Council. I have a job as a commis chef, and I'm studying, Physics, Maths, History ad Business at A-Level.

And Finally, I'm extremely excited about sitting in the Chamber, as I guess those who are going are!

So, that's me, perhaps you could tell me about you? Or perhaps you might be so interested you might want to see what I put next :) I'll give you a hint, it'll probably be about the House of Commons event... Hehe.

Only 16 days to go, can't wait to make history, can you?

Oli

Harrison Carter - First Blog - My thoughts.

Hello everyone reading this, I'm one of the five MYPs blogging about the UK Youth Parliament House of Commons Event.

I thought I'd begin by telling everybody a bit about myself. I'm Harrison Carter, 16 years old, from Sheffield. In Sheffield, we're running two local campaigns regarding Mental Health Facility Accessibility - Looking at the difficulties young people face when accessing Mental Health Facilities. These difficulties could stem from lack of confidence, lack of awareness of the facilities, how they help or their location. The other campaign is Political Participation - This is investigating through a series of events, how engaged young people are engaged, and how they could further engage in politics.

The UKYP House of Commons event is something that astounds even the most sceptical of people. It's something that, although you may not feel it, is truly making history. It's a given that many of us will one day become politicians or perhaps work in a environment surrounded by politics, policies and the co ordination of services in the country. This may at some point give us the chance to debate in the House. What makes the 30th October more special than that, is that we're young people. We're the ones some people believe to have lost it, to work against everything good and to cause problems in our local neighbourhoods.

So, in relation to that false outlook many people have, it's important for us to fulfill three objectives. The first one is to set a standard for all young people. We may be politically engaged and therefore appreciate the importance of this event. Many young people aren't, so we must set a standard showing what we can achieve and showing other young people what they can achieve.

Second, we must represent the views of those we were elected by. This means it's important to talk to local young people, get them on board, and get their views heard in one of the most famous debating chambers in the world.

Third, we must show and prove that young people are willing to work for their views to be heard, that we have the ability to represent those our own age, and take discussions and debates right to the end. We need to first break a stereotype and we can, I know we can!! Let's influence policy makers, influence the general public, and more importantly, influence the passion for change in other young people.

Get in contact with your local press, newspapers, radio and TV news. Show them how important this is, and on a national scale, this kind of press coverage will really show we will change what we believe needs to be changed.

Thanks,

Harrison

Young People Take Over Commons Chamber

On Friday 30 October 2009, elected Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) will make history when they sit on the green benches in the House of Commons and debate the issues that matter to young people from across the UK.

The issues being debated include the voting age, youth crime, the cost of public transport, job opportunities for young people and whether or not university tuition fees should be abolished.

This is the first time in 300 years, that anyone other than MPs have been allowed to sit in the House of Commons chamber.

Over the next two weeks, five MYPs will be blogging about their thoughts and feelings leading up to this histroic event.

We hope you enjoy...